Planning – it’s the most time consuming part of a move, says Carmack Moving and Storage. Whether you are moving a home, apartment, or entire office building, Carmack Moving and Storage explain that a properly planned move will make the entire process easier.

Local Moves

While many people think that moving down the street doesn’t require a great deal of foresight, the team at Carmack Moving and Storage knows otherwise. All moves create some level of stress, says Rob Carmack of Carmack Moving and Storage. He explains that the key to having a worry free experience is all in the preparation. The following are a few things to remember when planning a local move:

Pick a reliable moving company. Carmack Moving and Storage says this can eliminate the apprehension of driving a large and unfamiliar truck as well as provides insurance against achy backs later on.

Get organized and clear clutter. Basically, if you’ve forgotten about it, donate it to charity. Carmack Moving and Storage points out that there is no reason to pay to move items you don’t need. This way, your new home will start out with less mess.

Arrange for a pet sitter. The last thing you need on moving day is for Mittens or Spike to run out the front door and disappear. Carmack Moving and Storage points out that many local veterinary offices offer boarding.

Know your new space and have a plan ready. Carmack Moving and Storage says that it won’t help your stress levels if you get your sofa moved into your living room only to find it doesn’t fit. Measure your new space before you get there and have an idea of where you want your furniture. Carmack Moving and Storage warns that excessive time spent rearranging can add up the costs of moving.

Take expensive personal belongings out of drawers. Most of the time it’s fine to leave you clothes in the dressers but it’s recommended to transport your jewelry and other small valuables yourself, says Carmack Moving and Storage.

Distance Moves

Carmack Moving and Storage specializes in long distance relocations. There is a lot of similar prep work as with a local move, says Carmack Moving and Storage ’s Rob Carmack. However, he goes on to state that there are some key differences.

According to Carmack Moving and Storage, a long-distance move requires a bit more coordination on your part. For a move of greater than 100 miles, decluttering is especially important. Moves requiring interstate travel are billed per pound, which is why it is best to clear out what you don’t need well before the quote, explains Carmack Moving and Storage. It’s also critical to know your moving company and trust them completely before shipping Grandma’s fine China. Additional extra steps to take are:

Contact schools. Carmack Moving and Storage says to contact both school districts (your child’s old one and the new one) to make arrangements.

Have your mover’s telephone number. Since you likely won’t be driving right behind the moving truck, Carmack Moving and Storage says it will help to quell fears if you can call for a status update during transit.

Commercial Moves

Carmack Moving and Storage says these can be the most stressful moves as they often involve a disruption to business. There are several steps you can take before the big day to make it a little less nerve-wrecking:

Plan your technology migration. Your IT department will be your best friend during a major office move, says the team at Carmack Moving and Storage. Make sure the new location is wired and ready for installation well ahead of the move. If possible, move computer systems overnight to minimize interference with daily operations.

Change your marketing materials to reflect your new address. Do this well in advance and don’t forget your website and business cards, reminds Carmack Moving and Storage.

Have keys made. Don’t start your first morning off with employees waiting nervously in the parking lot, points out the team at Carmack Moving and Storage. Make sure all key-holding personnel have access to the new building.

Assign duties and checklist. According to Carmack Moving and Storage, one of the benefits of moving a business is that there are usually plenty of people around to help micromanage different areas when you cannot.

While the moving process can be daunting, if you allow yourself ample time to prepare, it can also be a positive experience. Don’t go it alone and trust the professionals at Carmack Moving and Storage to get you there and get you ready to go.

Carmack Moving and Storage began in 1985, when Rob Carmack saw a need for reliable movers in his hometown of Centreville, Virginia. Today, the company offers packing, moving, and home staging services as well as climate controlled storage. For more information or to contact Carmack Moving and Storage, dial 703.378.1616 or toll free 866.627.4420.